Alava, Miguel Ricardo de

CountrySpain

Town:Vitoria-Gasteiz

Year of creation:1917

Rider(s):Alava, Miguel Ricardo de

(1770-1843) was a Spanishgeneral and statesman. Álava holds the distinction of having been present at both Trafalgar and Waterloo, fighting against the British on the former and with them on the latter. Álava served as a naval aide-de-camp during the time of Spain’s alliance with France but switched sides following Napoleon‘s invasion of his homeland in 1808. Later he joined the headquarters of Wellington’s Peninsular Army, eventually becoming one of the duke‘s closest companions. He played a crucial role in the Battle of Vitoria. Having attached himself to Wellington’s staff, Álava stuck close to the Duke during the Battle of Waterloo. An equestrian sculpture of Miguel Ricardo de Alava is part of a monument in his birthplace Vitoria-Geiz to memorize the Battle of Vitoria